The Harsh Realities of #VanLife: Breakdowns, Heatwaves and High Costs

Siena Juhlin, 23, bought a van to live in but sold it 2 months later after the transmission died and stranded her 2,000 miles from home.

Caleb Smith, 29, lives in a van in Brooklyn but struggled through a heatwave last summer, forcing him to install AC powered by an extension cord.

Robert Walker took up the "van life" after surviving cancer, wanting to travel more, but recently sold his van to upgrade to a newer one.

The "van life" has harsh realities like extreme heat and high repair costs that influencers don't show, though some still consider it rewarding.

Living in vans long-term is seen as difficult by those interviewed due to factors like gas prices, lack of permanent parking, and desire for more space.